Plug Power (PLUG) 10-Q 14 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 04, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Entity Registrant Name	'PLUG POWER INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001093691	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	102,602,414

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$10,959,955	$9,380,059
Accounts receivable, net	4,301,033	4,021,725
Inventory	9,768,654	8,550,457
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,120,127	1,988,457
Total current assets	27,149,769	23,940,698
Restricted cash	500,000	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	5,806,724	6,708,237
Leased property under capital lease, net	2,582,434	2,969,799
Note receivable	525,298	570,697
Intangible assets, net	3,467,536	5,270,571
Total assets	40,031,761	39,460,002
Current liabilities:	'	'
Borrowings under line of credit	'	3,380,835
Accounts payable	4,129,126	3,558,157
Accrued expenses	1,855,898	3,828,045
Product warranty reserve	1,413,225	2,671,409
Deferred revenue	3,387,383	2,950,375
Obligations under capital lease	700,367	650,379
Other current liabilities	1,079,673	'
Total current liabilities	12,565,672	17,039,200
Obligations under capital lease	773,045	1,304,749
Deferred revenue	5,827,323	4,362,092
Common stock warrant liability	12,895,564	475,825
Finance obligation	2,507,800	'
Other liabilities	794,662	1,247,833
Total liabilities	35,364,066	24,429,699
Redeemable Preferred Stock Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share (aggregate involuntary liquidation preference $8,119,916) 10,431 shares authorized; Issued and outstanding: 10,431 at September 30, 2013 and 0 at December 31, 2012	2,451,079	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 245,000,000 shares authorized; Issued (including shares in treasury): 102,603,967 at September 30, 2013 and 38,404,764 at December 31, 2012	1,026,040	384,048
Additional paid-in capital	822,303,366	801,840,491
Accumulated other comprehensive income	947,584	1,004,412
Accumulated deficit	-820,507,992	-786,646,266
Less common stock in treasury: 165,906 shares at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	-1,552,382	-1,552,382
Total stockholders' equity	2,216,616	15,030,303
Total liabilities, redeemable preferred stock, and stockholders' equity	$40,031,761	$39,460,002

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	'
Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock, aggregate involuntary liquidation preference	$8,119,916	'
Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock, shares authorized	10,431	'
Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock, shares issued	10,431	0
Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock, shares outstanding	10,431	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	245,000,000	245,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	102,603,967	38,404,764
Treasury stock, shares	165,906	165,906

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Product and service revenue	$4,165,008	$4,273,385	$17,339,463	$18,711,555
Research and development contract revenue	461,808	502,269	1,229,734	1,475,338
Total revenue	4,626,816	4,775,654	18,569,197	20,186,893
Cost of product and service revenue	7,812,018	10,848,860	24,783,518	28,552,076
Cost of research and development contract revenue	730,486	791,322	1,883,361	2,389,844
Research and development expense	768,965	1,284,975	2,343,030	4,089,509
Selling, general and administrative expenses	2,753,030	3,053,434	8,849,730	10,556,495
Amortization of intangible assets	562,896	578,090	1,704,917	1,726,854
Operating loss	-8,000,579	-11,781,027	-20,995,359	-27,127,885
Interest and other income	26,028	80,046	83,109	171,260
Change in fair value of common stock warrant liability	-8,206,429	1,434,866	-16,171,061	3,726,667
Interest and other expense	-124,651	-59,349	-354,180	-158,162
Gain on sale of equity interest in joint venture	'	'	3,234,717	'
Loss before income taxes	-16,305,631	-10,325,464	-34,202,774	-23,388,120
Income tax benefit	410,259	'	410,259	'
Net loss attributable to the Company	-15,895,372	-10,325,464	-33,792,515	-23,388,120
Preferred stock dividends declared	-51,908	'	-69,211	'
Net loss attributable to common shareholders	($15,947,280)	($10,325,464)	($33,861,726)	($23,388,120)
Loss per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic and diluted	($0.19)	($0.27)	($0.51)	($0.71)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	84,150,851	37,977,052	67,194,806	33,107,175

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net loss attributable to the Company	($15,895,372)	($10,325,464)	($33,792,515)	($23,388,120)
Other comprehensive loss:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	25,268	110,625	-56,828	106,585
Comprehensive Loss	($15,870,104)	($10,214,839)	($33,849,343)	($23,281,535)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows(USD ($))	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:	'	'
Net loss attributable to the Company	($33,792,515)	($23,388,120)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment, and investment in leased property	1,432,698	1,459,159
Amortization of intangible assets	1,704,917	1,726,854
Stock-based compensation	1,576,577	1,500,352
Gain on sale of equity interest in joint venture	-3,234,717	'
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	-55,768	57,680
Change in fair value of common stock warrant liability	16,171,061	-3,726,667
Changes in operating assets and liabilities that provide (use) cash:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-279,308	5,728,228
Inventory	-1,218,197	-2,650,413
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-131,670	341,585
Note receivable	45,399	-585,611
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, product warranty reserve and other liabilities	-2,065,461	1,787,625
Deferred revenue	1,902,239	2,201,139
Net cash used in operating activities	-17,944,745	-15,548,189
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:	'	'
Proceeds from sale of equity interest in joint venture	3,234,717	-292,389
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-144,752	'
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment	56,700	57,900
Net cash provided by investing activities	3,146,665	-234,489
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:	'	'
Change in restricted cash	-500,000	'
Proceeds from exercise of warrants	2,849,460	'
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	2,595,400	'
Preferred stock issuance costs	-144,321	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants	14,807,717	17,192,500
Common stock issuance costs	-1,934,265	-1,402,230
Repayment of borrowings under line of credit	-3,380,835	-4,405,110
Proceeds from finance obligation	2,600,000	'
Principal payments on obligations under capital lease and finance obligation	-516,177	'
Net cash provided by financing activities	16,376,979	11,385,160
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	997	2,029
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,579,896	-4,395,489
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	9,380,059	13,856,893
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$10,959,955	$9,461,404

Nature_of_Operations

Nature of Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Nature of Operations [Abstract]	'
Nature of Operations	'
	Description of Business
	Plug Power Inc., or the Company, is a leading provider of alternative energy technology and is involved in the design, development, commercialization and manufacture of fuel cell systems for the industrial off-road (forklift or material handling) market.
	We are focused on proton exchange membrane, or PEM, fuel cell and fuel processing technologies and fuel cell/battery hybrid technologies, from which multiple products are available. A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity and heat without combustion. Hydrogen is derived from hydrocarbon fuels such as liquid petroleum gas, or LPG, natural gas, propane, methanol, ethanol, gasoline or biofuels. Hydrogen can also be obtained from the electrolysis of water. Hydrogen can be purchased directly from industrial gas providers or can be produced on-site at consumer locations.
	We concentrate our efforts on developing, manufacturing and selling our hydrogen-fueled PEM GenDrive®  products on commercial terms for industrial off-road (forklift or material handling) applications, with a focus on multi-shift high volume manufacturing and high throughput distribution sites.
	We have previously invested in development and sales activities for low-temperature remote-prime power GenSys® products and our GenCore® product, which is a hydrogen fueled PEM fuel cell system to provide back-up power for critical infrastructure. While Plug Power will continue to service and support GenSys and/or GenCore products on a limited basis, our main focus is our GenDrive product line.
	We sell our products worldwide, with a primary focus on North America, through our direct product sales force, original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, and their dealer networks. We sell to business, industrial and government consumers.
	We were organized in the State of Delaware on June 27, 1997 and became a public company listed on the NASDAQ exchange on October 29, 1999.  We were originally a joint venture between Edison Development Corporation and Mechanical Technology Incorporated.  In 2007, we acquired all the issued and outstanding equity of Cellex Power Products, Inc., or Cellex, and General Hydrogen Corporation, or General Hydrogen.
	Through these acquisitions, and our continued GenDrive product development efforts, Plug Power became the first fuel cell company to offer a complete suite of products: Class 1 - sit-down counterbalance trucks, Class 2 - stand-up reach trucks and Class 3 - rider pallet trucks.
	Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms "Company," "Plug Power," "we," "our" or "us" as used herein refers to Plug Power Inc. and its subsidiaries.
	Liquidity
	Our cash requirements relate primarily to working capital needed to operate and grow our business, including funding operating expenses, growth in inventory to support both shipments of new units and servicing the installed base, and continued development and expansion of our products. Our ability to meet our future liquidity needs, capital requirements, and to achieve profitability will depend upon numerous factors, including the timing and quantity of product orders and shipments; the timing and amount of our operating expenses; the timing and costs of working capital needs; the timing and costs of building a sales base; the timing and costs of developing marketing and distribution channels; the timing and costs of product service requirements; the timing and costs of hiring and training product staff; the extent to which our products gain market acceptance; the timing and costs of product development and introductions; the extent of our ongoing and any new research and development programs; and changes in our strategy or our planned activities. If we are unable to fund our operations without additional external financing and therefore cannot sustain future operations, we may be required to delay, reduce and/or cease our operations and/or seek bankruptcy protection.
	We have experienced and continue to experience negative cash flows from operations and we expect to continue to incur net losses in the foreseeable future. We incurred a net loss of $33.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and net losses of $31.9 million, $27.5 million and $47.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  We have an accumulated deficit of $820.5 million at September 30, 2013. Substantially all of our accumulated deficit has resulted from costs incurred in connection with our operating expenses, research and development expenses and from general and administrative costs associated with our operations. We expect that for fiscal year 2013, our operating cash burn will be approximately $20 million, as revised.
	Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $17.9 million. Additionally, on September 30, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents of $11.0 million and net working capital of $14.6 million. This compares to $9.4 million and $6.9 million, respectively, at December 31, 2012.
	We were party to a Loan and Security Agreement with Silicon Valley Bank, or SVB, which expired as of March 29, 2013. The SVB loan facility provided up to $15 million of availability, subject to borrowing base limitations, to support working capital needs. Given its expiration, we no longer have access to this facility. As of December 31, 2012, $3.4 million was outstanding under the loan agreement. This amount was subsequently paid in full in January, 2013. The Company maintains all of its operating bank accounts with SVB and we are seeking to reestablish our credit facility with SVB during the first quarter of 2014.
	To date, we have funded our operations primarily through public and private offerings of common and preferred stock, our line of credit and maturities and sales of our available-for-sale securities. The Company's current sources of capital, and other funds, include the raising of $2.3 million (net of issuance costs) in a public equity offering completed in February, 2013, $2.8 million from the exercise of warrants in 2013, $2.6 million from a sale-leaseback transaction of its real estate in Latham, NY completed on March 27, 2013, a $6.5 million strategic investment from Air Liquide (Air Liquide Investment) completed on May 8, 2013, and $10.6 million (net of issuance costs) in a public equity offering completed on September 16, 2013. The Air Liquide Investment includes the purchase of preferred stock, an increase in Air Liquide's ownership interest in the HyPulsion joint venture, and an engineering services contract. We believe that our current cash, cash raised from the aforementioned recent financing and investing activities, cash generated from future sales, and access to a potential new credit facility  should provide sufficient liquidity to fund our operations into the second quarter of 2014. This projection is based on our current expectations regarding product sales, cost structure, cash burn rate and operating assumptions.
	In addition to the aforementioned funds, and other funds that will provide additional short term liquidity, we are currently exploring various other alternatives including strategic partnerships and government programs that may be available to us, as well as trying to generate additional revenue and increase margins. However, at this time we have no commitments to obtain any additional funds, and there can be no assurance such funds will be available on acceptable terms or at all. If we are unable to obtain additional funding and improve our operations, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected and we may not be able to continue operations.
	Additionally, even if we raise additional capital through additional equity or debt financing, strategic alternatives or otherwise, there can be no assurances that any such capital infusion will be sufficient to enable us to develop our business to a level where it will be profitable or generate positive cash flow. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the percentage ownership of our stockholders could be significantly diluted, and these newly issued securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing stockholders. If we incur additional debt, a substantial portion of our operating cash flow may be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on such indebtedness, thus limiting funds available for our business activities. The terms of any debt securities issued could also impose significant restrictions on our operations. Broad market and industry factors may seriously harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance, and may adversely impact our ability to raise additional funds. In addition, if our common stock is delisted from the NASDAQ Capital Market, as noted in Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission, filed on April 1, 2013, it may limit our ability to raise additional funds. If we raise additional funds through collaborations and/or licensing arrangements, we might be required to relinquish significant rights to our technologies, or grant licenses on terms that are not favorable to us.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012 were prepared on the basis of a going concern which contemplates that the Company will be able to realize assets and discharge liabilities in the normal course of business. Accordingly, they do not give effect to adjustments that would be necessary should the Company be required to liquidate its assets. The ability of the Company to meet its total liabilities of $35.4 million at September 30, 2013, and to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the availability of future funding, continued growth in orders and shipments, and the Company's ability to profitably meet its after-sale service commitments with its existing customers. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	2. Basis of Presentation
	Principles of Consolidation: The accompanying unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. It is the Company's policy to reclassify prior period consolidated financial statements to conform to current period presentation.
	Interim Financial Statements: The accompanying unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented, have been made. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.
	Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.
	The information presented in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 has been derived from the Company's December 31, 2012 audited consolidated financial statements. All other information has been derived from the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2013 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
	Use of Management Estimates:The unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP, which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Significant Accounting Policies:
	Warrant accounting
	We account for common stock warrants in accordance with applicable accounting guidance provided in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 815, Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity, as either derivative liabilities or as equity instruments depending on the specific terms of the warrant agreement. In compliance with applicable securities law, registered common stock warrants that require the issuance of registered shares upon exercise and do not sufficiently preclude an implied right to cash settlement are accounted for as derivative liabilities. We classify these derivative warrant liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as a long term liability, which is revalued at each balance sheet date subsequent to the initial issuance. We use the Black-Scholes pricing model to value the derivative warrant liability. The Black-Scholes pricing model, which is based, in part, upon unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, requires the Company to develop its own assumptions.
	The Company used the following assumptions for its common stock warrants issued on May 31, 2011. The risk-free interest rate for May 31, 2011 (issuance date), December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2013 were 0.75%, 0.31% and 0.59%, respectively. The volatility of the market price of the Company's common stock for May 31, 2011, December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013 were 94.4%, 73.5%, and 111.2%, respectively. The expected average term of the warrant used for all periods was 2.5 years.
	The Company used the following assumptions for its common stock warrants issued on February 20, 2013. The risk-free interest rate for February 20, 2013 (issuance date) and September 30, 2013 were 0.85% and 1.60%, respectively. The volatility of the market price of the Company's common stock for February 20, 2013 and September 30, 2013 were 102.0% and 98.4%, respectively. The expected average term of the warrant used for February 20, 2013 and September 30, 2013 were 5.0 years and 4.4 years, respectively.
	There was no expected dividend yield for the warrants granted. If factors change and different assumptions are used, the warrant liability and the change in estimated fair value could be materially different. Generally, as the market price of our common stock increases, the fair value of the warrant increases, and conversely, as the market price of our common stock decreases, the fair value of the warrant decreases. Also, a significant increase in the volatility of the market price of the Company's common stock, in isolation, would result in a significantly higher fair value measurement; and a significant decrease in volatility would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement. Changes in the fair value of the warrants are reflected in the condensed consolidated statement of operations as change in fair value of common stock warrant liability.
	Joint Venture
	We account for investments in joint ventures in which we have significant influence in accordance with applicable accounting guidance in Subtopic 323-10, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures - Overall.  On February 29, 2012 we completed the formation of our joint venture with Axane, S.A., a subsidiary of Air Liquide, under the name HyPulsion (the JV).  The principal purpose of the JV is to develop and sell hydrogen fuel cell systems for the European material handling market. Axane contributed cash at the closing and will make additional fixed cash contributions in 2013 and 2014 in exchange for an initial 55% ownership of the JV, subject to certain conditions. We have not contributed any cash to the JV and we are not obligated to contribute any cash.  We contributed to the JV the right to use our technology, including design and technology know-how on GenDrive systems, in exchange for an initial 45% ownership of the JV.
	On April 19, 2013 Axane purchased an additional 25% ownership interest in HyPulsion from the Company for a cash purchase price of $3.3 million (Euro 2.5 million).  We now own 20% and Axane owns 80% of HyPulsion, and we will share in 20% of the profits from the JV. The Company has the right to purchase an additional 60% of HyPulsion from Axane at any time between January 4, 2018 and January 29, 2018 at a formula price. If the Company exercises its purchase right, Axane will have the right, at any time between February 1, 2018 and December 31, 2021, to require the Company to buy the remaining 20% interest at a formula price.
	In addition, the Company and HyPulsion also entered into an engineering service agreement under which, among other things, the Company will provide HyPulsion with engineering and technical services for a new fuel cell assembly line and manufacturing execution system. Under the service agreement, HyPulsion has paid the Company approximately $659,000 (Euro 500,000) in the aggregate for services to be performed by the Company.
	In accordance with the equity method of accounting, the Company will increase its investment in the JV by its share of any earnings, and decrease its investment in the JV by its share of any losses.  Losses in excess of the investment must be restored from future profits before we can recognize our proportionate share of profits.  As of September 30, 2013, the Company had a zero basis for its investment in the JV.
	Redeemable Preferred Stock
	On May 8, 2013, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Air Liquide, pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell 10,431 shares of the Company's Series C Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.6 million (Euro 2 million) in cash, as more fully discussed in Note 6, Redeemable Preferred Stock. We account for preferred stock as temporary equity in accordance with applicable accounting guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.  Dividends on the redeemable preferred stock are accounted for as a reduction (increase) in the net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders.
	In connection with the Air Liquide Investment, as outlined under Joint Venture and Redeemable Preferred Stock above, the Company considered the relative fair value of the components involved in its allocation of the overall investment and the associated accounting.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
	There are no recently issued accounting standards with pending adoptions that the Company's management currently anticipates will have any material impact upon its financial statements.

MultipleDeliverable_Revenue_Ar

Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Multiple Deliverable Revenue Arrangements [Abstract]	'
Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements	'
	3. Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements
	The Company enters into multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements that may contain a combination of fuel cell systems or equipment, installation, service, maintenance, fueling and other support services. The delivered item, equipment, does have value to the customer on a standalone basis and could be separately sold by another vendor.  In addition, the Company does not include a right of return on its products.
	Under the guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2009-13, in an arrangement with multiple-deliverables, the delivered items will be considered a separate unit of accounting if the following criteria are met:
	The delivered item or items have value to the customer on a standalone basis.
	If the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s), delivery or performance of the undelivered item or items is considered probable and substantially in the control of the vendor.
	Deliverables not meeting the criteria for being a separate unit of accounting are combined with a deliverable that does meet that criterion. The appropriate allocation of arrangement consideration and recognition of revenue is then determined for the combined unit of accounting.
	The Company allocates arrangement consideration to each deliverable in an arrangement based on its relative selling price. The Company determines selling price using vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE), if it exists, otherwise third-party evidence (TPE). If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists for a unit of accounting, the Company uses estimated selling price (ESP).
	VSOE is generally limited to the price that a vendor charges when it sells the same or similar products or services on a standalone basis. TPE is determined based on the prices charged by competitors of the Company for a similar deliverable when sold separately.  The Company generally expects that it will not be able to establish VSOE or TPE for certain deliverables due to the lack of standalone sales and the nature of the markets in which the Company competes, and, as such, the Company typically will determine selling price using ESP.
	The objective of ESP is to determine the price at which the Company would transact if the product or service were sold by the Company on a standalone basis. The Company's determination of ESP may involve a weighting of several factors based on the specific facts and circumstances of the arrangement. Specifically, the Company may consider the cost to produce the deliverable, the anticipated margin on that deliverable, the selling price and profit margin for similar parts, the Company's ongoing pricing strategy and policies, the value of any enhancements that have been built into the deliverable and the characteristics of the varying markets in which the deliverable is sold, as applicable. The Company will determine ESP for deliverables in future agreements based on the specific facts and circumstances of the arrangement.
	As noted above, in determining selling price, TPE is generally not readily available due to a lack of a competitive environment in selling fuel cell technology.  However, when determining selling price for certain deliverables such as service and maintenance, if available, the Company utilizes prices charged by its competitors as TPE when estimating its costs for labor hours.
	Each deliverable within the Company's multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements is accounted for as a separate unit of accounting under the guidance of ASU No. 2009-13. Once a standalone selling price for all the deliverables that meet the separation criteria has been met, whether by VSOE, TPE or ESP, the relative selling price method is used to proportionately allocate each element of the arrangement to the sale consideration. The Company plans to analyze the selling prices used in its allocation of arrangement consideration at a minimum on an annual basis. Selling prices will be analyzed on a more frequent basis if a significant change in the Company's business necessitates a more timely analysis or if the Company experiences significant variances in its selling prices.
	For all product and service revenue transactions entered into prior to the implementation of ASU No. 2009-13, the Company will continue to defer the recognition of product and service revenue and recognize revenue on a straight-line basis as the continued service, maintenance and other support obligations expire, which are generally for periods of twelve to thirty months, or which extend over multiple years. While contract terms for those transactions generally required payment shortly after shipment or delivery and installation of the fuel cell system and were not contingent on the achievement of specific milestones or other substantive performance, the multiple-element revenue obligations within our contractual arrangements were generally not accounted for separately based on our limited experience and lack of evidence of fair value of the undelivered components.  We recognized revenue related to these transactions of approximately $36,000 and $107,000 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.  At September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, there was approximately $453,000 and $560,000, respectively, included in deferred revenue in the condensed consolidated balance sheets related to these transactions.

Loan_and_Security_Agreement

Loan and Security Agreement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Loan and Security Agreement [Abstract]	'
Loan and Security Agreement	'
	4. Loan and Security Agreement
	At December 31, 2012, we were a party to a loan and security agreement, as amended, with Silicon Valley Bank, or SVB, providing us with access to up to $15.0 million of financing in the form of revolving loans, letters of credit, foreign exchange contracts and cash management services. The Loan Agreement expired on March 29, 2013. As of December 31, 2012, $3.4 million was outstanding under the loan agreement. This amount was subsequently paid in full in January, 2013.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	5. Stockholders' Equity
	Changes in stockholders' equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows:
											Accumulated
											Other									Total
					Common Stock			Additional		Comprehensive			Treasury Stock					Accumulated		Stockholders'
			Shares			Amount		in-Capital			Income (Loss)			Shares	Amount			Deficit		Equity
	December 31, 2012		38,404,764			$	384,048	$	801,840,491		$	1,004,412		165,906		$	-1,552,382	$	-786,646,266	$	15,030,303
	Net loss				-	-		-			-			-		-		-33,792,515		-33,792,515
	Other comprehensive loss				-	-		-			-56,828			-		-		-		-56,828
	Stock based compensation			1,968,986		19,690		1,541,732			-			-		-		-		1,561,422
	Public Offering, common stock, net (1)		43,101,800			431,018		9,991,406			-			-		-		-		10,422,424
	Exercise of warrants (2)		18,996,400			189,964		8,861,846			-			-		-		-		9,051,810
	Stock dividend			132,017		1,320		67,891										-69,211		-
	September 30, 2013		102,603,967			$	1,026,040	$	822,303,366		$	947,584		165,906		$	-1,552,382	$	-820,507,992	$	2,216,616
	-1	As a result of the 2013 public offering discussed further below, the Company received net proceeds of $12,873,452, of which $2,451,028 in value was ascribed to the warrants issued in the February 2013 public offering. The associated warrants have been separately valued and classified as a liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. After consideration of the fair value ascribed to the warrants and the net proceeds of the overall offering, it was determined that the fair value of the warrants and the common stock exceeded the net proceeds received as part of the offering and consequently additional paid-in capital was reduced by $354,586.
	-2	Pursuant to the exercise of warrants, additional paid-in capital was increased by $2,659,496 from the issuance of 18,996,400 shares of common stock. Additionally, paid-in capital was increased by $6,202,350 and warrant liability was reduced by $6,202,350 (the fair value of the warrants on the exercise date).
	2013 Public Offerings
	On September 16, 2013, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 18,600,000 shares of common stock.  The shares were sold at $0.54 per share.  Net proceeds, after underwriting discounts and commissions and other fees and expenses payable by Plug Power were $9,151,221.
	The Company also sold an additional 2,790,000 shares of common stock at $0.54 per share, pursuant to the underwriter's exercise of its over-allotment option in connection with the September 16, 2013 underwritten public offering, resulting in additional net proceeds to Plug Power of $1,408,671. The total net proceeds from the September 2013 public offering to Plug Power were $10,559,892.
	On February 20, 2013, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 18,910,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 18,910,000 shares of common stock. The shares and warrants in the underwritten public offering were sold as a fixed combination, with each combination consisting of one share of common stock and one warrant to purchase one share of common stock at a price to the public of $0.15 per fixed combination. The underwriter also purchased 2,836,500 warrants pursuant to the exercise of its over-allotment option.  These warrants have an exercise price of $0.15 per share, are immediately exercisable and will expire on February 20, 2018.  The warrants are subject to weighted average anti-dilution provisions in the event of issuance of additional shares of common stock and certain other conditions, as further described in the warrant agreement. Additionally, in the event of a sale of the Company, and under certain conditions, each warrant holder has the right to require the Company to purchase such holder's warrants at a price determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The underwriter was also granted an additional 1,891,000 warrants at $0.18 per share.  These warrants are exercisable on February 13, 2014 and will expire on February 13, 2018.  Net proceeds, after underwriting discounts and commissions and other fees and expenses payable by Plug Power, were $1,948,766. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures.
	On February 21, 2013, the Company sold 2,801,800 additional shares of common stock, pursuant to the underwriter's exercise of its overallotment option in connection with the public offering, resulting in additional net proceeds to the Company of approximately $364,794.  The total net proceeds from the February 2013 public offerings to Plug Power were $2,313,560.
	2012 Public Offerings
	On March 28, 2012, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 13,000,000 shares of its common stock. The shares were sold at $1.15 per share.  Net proceeds, after underwriting discounts and commissions and other fees and expenses payable by Plug Power were $13,704,745.
	On March 29, 2012, the Company sold 1,950,000 additional shares of common stock at $1.15 per share, pursuant to the underwriter's exercise of its over-allotment option in connection with the March 28, 2012 underwritten public offering, resulting in additional net proceeds to Plug Power of $2,085,525.
	2011 Public Offerings
	On May 31, 2011, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 8,265,000 shares of its common stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 7,128,563 shares of common stock (including warrants to purchase an aggregate of 929,813 shares of common stock purchased by the underwriter pursuant to the exercise of its over-allotment option). Net proceeds, after underwriting discounts and commissions and other fees and expenses payable by Plug Power, were $18,289,883 (of this amount $8,768,143 in fair value was recorded as common stock warranty liability at issuance date). The shares and the warrants were sold together as a fixed combination, with each combination consisting of one share of common stock and 0.75 of a warrant to purchase one share of common stock, at a price to the public of $2.42 per fixed combination. The warrants are exercisable upon issuance and will expire on May 31, 2016. The exercise price of the warrants upon issuance was $3.00 per share of common stock and is subject to weighted average anti-dilution provisions in the event of issuance of additional shares of common stock and certain other conditions, as further described in the warrant agreement. Additionally, in the event of a sale of the Company, and under certain conditions, each warrant holder has the right to require the Company to purchase such holder's warrants at a price determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. As a result of the March 28 and 29, 2012 public offerings and pursuant to the effect of the anti-dilution provisions, the exercise price of the warrants was reduced to $2.27 per share of common stock. Simultaneously with the adjustment to the exercise price, the number of common stock shares that may be purchased upon exercise of the warrants was increased to 9,421,008 shares.
	As a result of the February 20 and 21, 2013 public offerings and pursuant to the effect of the anti-dilution provisions, the exercise price of the warrants was reduced to $1.13 per share of common stock.  Simultaneously with the adjustment to the exercise price, the number of common stock shares that may be purchased upon exercise was increased to 18,925,389 shares.  As a result of the May 8, 2013 agreement to issue and sell Air Liquide 10,431 shares of Series C Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, and pursuant to the effect of the anti-dilution provisions, the exercise price of the warrants was reduced to $1.03 per share of common stock.  Simultaneously with the adjustment to the exercise price, the number of common stock shares that may be purchased upon exercise was increased to 20,762,805 shares. As a result of the September 16, 2013 public offering and pursuant to the effect of the anti-dilution provisions, the exercise price of the warrants was reduced to $0.93 per share of common stock.  Simultaneously with the adjustment to the exercise price, the number of common stock shares that may be purchased upon exercise of the warrants was increased to 22,995,365.
	On June 8, 2011, the Company sold 836,750 additional shares of common stock, pursuant to the underwriter's partial exercise of its over-allotment option, resulting in additional net proceeds to Plug Power of $1,874,990.
	On July 1, 2011, the Company sold 231,000 additional shares of common stock, pursuant to the underwriter's partial exercise of its over-allotment option, resulting in additional net proceeds to Plug Power of $527,626.

Redeemable_Preferred_Stock

Redeemable Preferred Stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Redeemable Preferred Stock [Abstract]	'
Redeemable Preferred Stock	'
	6.  Redeemable Preferred Stock
	On May 8, 2013, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with Air Liquide Investissements d'Avenir et de Demonstration ("Air Liquide"), pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell to Air Liquide 10,431 shares of the Company's Series C Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Series C Preferred Stock"), for an original issue price of $2,595,400 in cash. Net proceeds, after fees and expenses paid by the Company, were $2,451,079.
	Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, for so long as Air Liquide holds any shares of Series C Preferred Stock, Air Liquide shall be entitled to designate one director to the Company's Board of Directors. In the event the Series C Preferred Stock is converted into shares of Common Stock and Air Liquide continues to hold at least 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, or 50% of the shares of Common Stock held by Air Liquide on an as-converted basis immediately following the issuance of the Series C Preferred Stock, Air Liquide shall continue to be entitled to designate one director to the Company's Board of Directors. The Purchase Agreement also provides Air Liquide with the right to participate in certain future equity financings by the Company.
	The Series C Preferred Stock will rank senior to the Common Stock with respect to rights upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, or other deemed liquidation event, as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement, the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock will be entitled to be paid an amount per share equal to the greater of (i) the original issue price, plus any accrued but unpaid dividends or (ii) the amount per share that would have been payable had all shares of Series C Preferred Stock been converted to shares of common stock immediately prior to such liquidation event.
	The Series C Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive dividends at a rate of 8% per annum, based on the original issue price of $2,595,400, payable in equal quarterly installments in cash or in shares of Common Stock, at the Company's option. The Series C Preferred Stock will be convertible into shares of Common Stock, at a conversion price equal to $0.248794 per share, at Air Liquide's option, (1) on or after May 8, 2014 or (2) upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, any sale, consolidation or merger of the Company resulting in a change of control, or any sale or other transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.  The number of shares of common stock is determined by dividing the original issue price of $2,595,400 by the conversion price in effect at the time the shares are converted.
	The Series C Preferred Stock has weighted average anti-dilution protection.  Therefore, the conversion price is subject to adjustment in the event the Company issues additional shares of common stock for a consideration per share less than the Series C conversion price in effect immediately prior to such issue.  Upon this occurrence, the conversion price shall be reduced to a price determined in accordance with a prescribed formula.  Accordingly, with the exercise of 16,096,400 warrants at $0.15 occurring after the close of the redeemable preferred stock sale, the Series C Preferred Stock conversion price was adjusted from $0.248794 per share to $0.236529 per share.
	The Series C Preferred Stock may not be redeemed by the Company until May 8, 2016.  After this date, the Series C Preferred Stock may be redeemed by the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock or the Company. If redeemed by the holder, the redemption price will be equal to the Series C Original Issue Price per share, plus any accruing but unpaid dividends.  If redeemed at the election of the Company, the redemption price for shares of Series C Preferred Stock shall be a per share price equal to the greater of (i) the Series C original issue price per share, plus any Series C accruing dividends accrued but unpaid thereon and (ii) the fair market value of a single share of Series C preferred stock as of the date of the redemption.
	The Series C Preferred Stock will vote together with the Common Stock on an as-converted basis on all matters.  The shares of Series C Preferred Stock were issued in a private placement exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	7. Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net loss attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period.  Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock (such as stock options, unvested restricted stock, common stock warrants, and preferred stock) were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock (net of any assumed repurchases) that then shared in the earnings of the Company, if any. This is computed by dividing net earnings by the combination of dilutive common share equivalents, which is comprised of shares issuable under outstanding warrants, the conversion of preferred stock, and the Company's share-based compensation plans, and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Since the Company is in a net loss position, all common stock equivalents would be considered to be anti-dilutive and are, therefore, not included in the determination of diluted earnings per share. Accordingly, basic and diluted loss per share are the same.
	The following table provides the components of the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share:
				Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
			September 30, 2013				September 30, 2012		September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	Numerator:
		Net loss attributable to common shareholders		$	-15,947,280		$	-10,325,464	$	-33,861,726	$	-23,388,120
	Denominator:
		Weighted average number of common shares
		outstanding		84,150,851			37,977,052		67,194,806		33,107,175
	The potential dilutive common shares are summarized as follows:
		At September 30,
		2013				2012
	Stock options outstanding		4,145,689			1,999,521
	Unvested restricted stock			-		275,262
	Common stock warrants (1)		27,636,465			9,421,008
	Preferred stock (2)		10,972,859			-
	Number of dilutive potential common shares		42,755,013			11,695,791
	-1	On May 31, 2011, the Company issued 7,128,563 warrants as part of an underwritten public offering.  As a result of the March 28 and 29, 2012 and February 20 and 21, 2013 public offerings, the May 8, 2013 issuance of Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock, and the September 16, 2013 public offering described in Note 5, the number of warrants increased to 22,995,365.  Additionally, on February 20, 2013 the Company issued 23,637,500 warrants as part of an underwritten public offering. Of the warrants issued in February 2013, 18,996,400 were exercised as of September 30, 2013.
	-2	The preferred stock amount represents the dilutive potential common shares of the 10,431 shares of Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock issued on May 16, 2013.

Inventory

Inventory	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory [Abstract]	'
Inventory	'
	8. Inventory
	Inventory as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of the following:
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Raw materials and supplies		$	8,968,730	$	7,576,862
	Work-in-process		163,997		314,321
	Finished goods		635,927		659,274
			$	9,768,654	$	8,550,457

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets	'
	9. Intangible Assets
	The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of the Company's acquired identifiable intangible assets as of September 30, 2013 are as follows:
									Effect of
			Weighted Average	Gross Carrying			Accumulated		Foreign Currency
			Amortization Period	Amount			Amortization		Translation		Total
		Acquired Technology	8 years		$	15,900,000	$	-13,767,216	$	1,136,835	$	3,269,619
		Customer Relationships	8 years		1,000,000		-802,083		-		197,917
					$	16,900,000	$	-14,569,299	$	1,136,835	$	3,467,536
	The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of the Company's acquired identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2012 are as follows:
									Effect of
			Weighted Average	Gross Carrying			Accumulated		Foreign Currency
			Amortization Period	Amount			Amortization		Translation		Total
		Acquired Technology	8 years		$	15,900,000	$	-12,156,049	$	1,234,953	$	4,978,904
		Customer Relationships	8 years		1,000,000		-708,333		-		291,667
					$	16,900,000	$	-12,864,382	$	1,234,953	$	5,270,571

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	10. Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consist of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Land	$	90,000	$	90,000
	Buildings	15,332,232		15,332,232
	Building improvements	4,939,283		4,939,283
	Software, machinery and equipment	13,615,439		13,741,573
		33,976,954		34,103,088
	Less accumulated depreciation	-28,170,230		-27,394,851
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	5,806,724	$	6,708,237

Leased_property_under_capital_

Leased property under capital lease	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Leased property under capital lease [Abstract]	'
Leased proprety under capital lease	'
	11.  Leased property under capital lease
	Leased property under capital lease at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consist of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Leased property under capital lease	$	3,098,921	$	3,098,921
	Less accumulated depreciation	-516,487		-129,122
	Leased property under capital lease, net	$	2,582,434	$	2,969,799

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	12. Income Taxes
	Under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 382, the use of loss carryforwards may be limited if a change in ownership of a company occurs. If it is determined that due to transactions involving the Company's shares owned by its 5 percent or greater shareholders a change of ownership has occurred under the provisions of IRC Section 382, the Company's federal and state net operating loss carryforwards could be subject to significant IRC Section 382 limitations.
	At September 30, 2013 the Company has approximately $737.5 million of net operating loss carryforward.  Based upon an IRC Section 382 study, Section 382 ownership changes occurred in 2013, 2012 and 2011 that resulted in $729.7 million of the Company's federal and state net operating loss carryforwards being subject to IRC Section 382 limitations and as a result of IRC Section 382 limitations, all but approximately $21.3 million of the net operating loss carryforwards will expire prior to utilization. As a result of the IRC Section 382 limitations, these net operating loss carryforwards that will expire unutilized are not reflected in the Company's gross deferred tax asset as of September 30, 2013.
	The ownership change also resulted in Net Unrealized Built in Losses per IRS Notice 2003-65 which should result in Recognized Built in Losses during the five year recognition period of approximately $36.3 million. This translates into unfavorable book to tax add backs in the Company's 2013 to 2018 U.S. corporate income tax returns that resulted in a gross deferred tax liability of $13.8 million at September 30, 2013 with a corresponding reduction to the valuation allowance. This gross deferred tax liability will offset certain existing gross deferred tax assets (i.e. capitalized research expense). This has no impact on the Company's current financial position, results of operations, or cash flows because of the full valuation allowance.
	IRC Section 382 also limits the ability for a Company to utilize capital loss and research credit carryforwards. Approximately $15.5 million of federal capital loss carryforwards are subject to IRC Section 382 limitations and as a result of the IRC Section 382 limitations, the entire $15.5 million will expire prior to utilization. Approximately $15.6 million of research credits are subject to IRC Section 382 limitations and as a result of the IRC Section 382 limitations, the entire $15.6 million will expire prior to utilization.
	The Company's remaining deferred tax assets have been offset by a full valuation allowance because it is more likely than not that the tax benefits of the net operating loss carryforwards and other tax assets may not be realized.
	The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. During the period ended September 30, 2013 the Company recognized a benefit of $0.4 million due to a reduction in interest and penalties as a result of the expiration of the associated statute of limitations.  The Company had $0.8 million of interest and penalties accrued at September 30, 2013.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Fair Value	'
	13. Fair Value
	The Company complies with the provisions of FASB ASC No. 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820), in measuring fair value and in disclosing fair value measurements. The aforementioned codification guidance defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements required under other accounting pronouncements. In addition, the guidance clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The guidance also requires that a fair value measurement reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on the best information available. Assumptions include the risks inherent in a particular valuation technique (such as a pricing model) and/or the risks inherent in the inputs to the model.
	Valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost) are also outlined within the guidance. Also, the codification guidance outlines a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:
	Level 1 Inputs - Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for assets or liabilities identical to those to be reported at fair value. An active market is a market in which transactions occur for the item to be fair valued with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
	Level 2 Inputs - Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1. Level 2 inputs are observable either directly or indirectly. These inputs include: (a) Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; (b) Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, such as when there are few transactions for the asset or liability, the prices are not current, price quotations vary substantially over time or in which little information is released publicly; (c) Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and (d) Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
	Level 3 Inputs - Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for an asset or liability. These inputs should be used to determine fair value only when observable inputs are not available. Unobservable inputs should be developed based on the best information available in the circumstances, which might include internally generated data and assumptions being used to price the asset or liability.
	When determining the fair value measurements for assets or liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at and/or marked to fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. When possible, the Company looks to active and observable markets to price identical assets. When identical assets are not traded in active markets, the Company looks to market observable data for similar assets.
	The following tables summarize the basis used to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis in the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
					Quoted Prices in Active			Significant		Significant
					Markets for Identical			Other Observable		Other Unobservable
						Items		Inputs		Inputs
	Balance at September 30, 2013		Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Common stock warrant liability		$	12,895,564		$	-	$	-	$	12,895,564
					Quoted Prices in Active			Significant		Significant
					Markets for Identical			Other Observable		Other Unobservable
						Items		Inputs		Inputs
	Balance at December 31, 2012		Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Common stock warrant liability		$	475,825		$	-	$	-	$	475,825
	The following tables show reconciliations of the beginning and ending balances for liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (i.e. Level 3) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Fair Value
		Measurement Using
		Significant
	Common stock warrant liability	Unobservable Inputs
	Beginning of period - January 1, 2013	$	475,825
	Change in fair value of common stock warrants	16,171,061
	Issuance of common stock warrants	2,451,028
	Exercise of common stock warrants	-6,202,350
	Fair value of common stock warrant liability at September 30, 2013	$	12,895,564
	The following summarizes the valuation technique for assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value:
	Common stock warrant liability:   For our level 3 securities, which represent common stock warrants, fair value is based on the Black-Scholes pricing model which is based, in part, upon unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, requiring the Company to develop its own assumptions.
	The following disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial instruments is made in accordance with the provision of ASC 825-10-65, Financial Instruments, which requires disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim financial statements as well as in annual financial statements. Although the estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies, the estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in current market exchanges.
	The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
	Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accrued interest receivable and payable, accounts payable and borrowings under line of credit: The carrying amounts reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	14. Commitments and Contingencies
	968 Albany Shaker Road Associate, LLC Lease
	On March 27, 2013, the Company completed a sale-leaseback transaction of its property located at 968 Albany Shaker Road, Latham, New York, for an aggregate purchase price of $4,500,000, of which $2,750,000 was payable in cash at closing and $1,750,000  is payable with 5% annual interest, over 15 years in equal monthly installments of $13,839. The sale-leaseback transaction is being accounted for in accordance with applicable accounting guidance provided under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 840, Leases.  Due to the Company's continuing involvement with the property, the transaction has been accounted for as a financing.  Liabilities relating to this agreement of $2,507,800 and $57,739 have been recorded as finance obligation and current portion finance obligation (other current liabilities), respectively, in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013.
	In connection with the sale-leaseback transaction, we also entered into an agreement with the buyer, pursuant to which the Company leases from the buyer a portion of the premises sold for a term of 15 years. Monthly payments relating to this agreement are $38,297, $41,243, and $44,189, for years 1-5, 6-10, and 11-15, respectively.
	As part of the terms of the transaction, the Company issued two standby letters of credit to the benefit of the landlord/lessor that can be drawn by the beneficiary in the event of default on the lease by Plug Power. The standby letters total $750,000 and are 100% collateralized by cash balances of the Company. This cash is restricted from use by the Company for any other purpose than to collateralize the standby letters. The standby letters are renewable for a period of ten years and can be cancelled in part or in full if certain covenants are met and maintained by the Company.
	On August 26, 2013, the standby letter of credit for $250,000 was terminated due to the release of contingencies relating to a new tenant occupying space in the building. Accordingly, as of September 30, 2013, $500,000 has been recorded to restricted cash in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
	Other
	In September 2011, the Company signed a letter of credit with Silicon Valley Bank in the amount of $525,000. The standby letter of credit is required by an agreement negotiated between Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and the Company to supply hydrogen infrastructure and hydrogen to Central Grocers at their distribution center.  There are no collateral requirements associated with this letter of credit.
	Customer Concentration
	Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables exist due to the limited number of select customers that the Company has initial commercial sales arrangements with and with government agencies. To mitigate credit risk, the Company performs appropriate evaluation of a prospective customer's financial condition.
	At September 30, 2013, five customers comprise approximately 80.6% of the total accounts receivable balance, with each customer individually representing 40.2%, 18.9%, 10.5%, 5.9% and 5.1% of total accounts receivable, respectively.  At December 31, 2012, four customers comprise approximately 82.2% of the total accounts receivable balance, with each customer individually representing 63.1%, 7.7%, 6.3% and 5.1% of total accounts receivable, respectively.
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, contracts with three customers comprise approximately 38.6% of total consolidated revenues, with each customer representing 14.9%, 13.5% and 10.2%, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, contracts with three customers comprise approximately 55.5% of total consolidated revenues, with each customer representing 25.8%, 19.4% and 10.3%, respectively.
	Product Warranty
	The product and service revenue contracts we entered into generally provide a one to two-year product warranty to customers from date of installation. We currently estimate the costs of satisfying warranty claims based on an analysis of past experience and provide for future claims in the period the revenue is recognized.  Factors that affect our warranty liability include the number of installed units, estimated material costs, estimated travel, and labor costs. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we adjusted our reserve for additional warranty claims arising from GenDrive component quality issues that were identified. These were isolated quality issues that were identified in GenDrive units that are being used at customer sites.  These units are in the process of being retro-fitted with replacement components that will improve the reliability of our GenDrive products for our customers.
	The following table summarizes product warranty activity recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Beginning balance - January 1		$	2,671,409	$	1,210,919
	Additions for current period deliveries		590,056		399,623
	Reductions for payments made		-1,848,240		-1,915,253
	Reserve adjustment		-		3,273,324
	Ending balance - September 30		$	1,413,225	$	2,968,613

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_Ca

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flows Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flows Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flows Information	'
	15. Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flows Information
	The following represents required supplemental disclosures of cash flows information and non-cash financing and investing activities which occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Stock-based compensation accrual impact, net		$	-15,155	$	-115
	Cash paid for interest		354,723		152,123

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	16.  Subsequent Events
	The Company has evaluated subsequent events and transactions through the date of this filing for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements and has noted no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation:	'
	Principles of Consolidation: The accompanying unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. It is the Company's policy to reclassify prior period consolidated financial statements to conform to current period presentation.
Interim Financial Statements:	'
	Interim Financial Statements: The accompanying unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented, have been made. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.
	Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.
	The information presented in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 has been derived from the Company's December 31, 2012 audited consolidated financial statements. All other information has been derived from the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2013 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
Use of Management Estimates:	'
	Use of Management Estimates:The unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP, which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Warrant accounting	'
	Warrant accounting
	We account for common stock warrants in accordance with applicable accounting guidance provided in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 815, Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity, as either derivative liabilities or as equity instruments depending on the specific terms of the warrant agreement. In compliance with applicable securities law, registered common stock warrants that require the issuance of registered shares upon exercise and do not sufficiently preclude an implied right to cash settlement are accounted for as derivative liabilities. We classify these derivative warrant liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as a long term liability, which is revalued at each balance sheet date subsequent to the initial issuance. We use the Black-Scholes pricing model to value the derivative warrant liability. The Black-Scholes pricing model, which is based, in part, upon unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, requires the Company to develop its own assumptions.
	The Company used the following assumptions for its common stock warrants issued on May 31, 2011. The risk-free interest rate for May 31, 2011 (issuance date), December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2013 were 0.75%, 0.31% and 0.59%, respectively. The volatility of the market price of the Company's common stock for May 31, 2011, December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013 were 94.4%, 73.5%, and 111.2%, respectively. The expected average term of the warrant used for all periods was 2.5 years.
	The Company used the following assumptions for its common stock warrants issued on February 20, 2013. The risk-free interest rate for February 20, 2013 (issuance date) and September 30, 2013 were 0.85% and 1.60%, respectively. The volatility of the market price of the Company's common stock for February 20, 2013 and September 30, 2013 were 102.0% and 98.4%, respectively. The expected average term of the warrant used for February 20, 2013 and September 30, 2013 were 5.0 years and 4.4 years, respectively.
	There was no expected dividend yield for the warrants granted. If factors change and different assumptions are used, the warrant liability and the change in estimated fair value could be materially different. Generally, as the market price of our common stock increases, the fair value of the warrant increases, and conversely, as the market price of our common stock decreases, the fair value of the warrant decreases. Also, a significant increase in the volatility of the market price of the Company's common stock, in isolation, would result in a significantly higher fair value measurement; and a significant decrease in volatility would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement. Changes in the fair value of the warrants are reflected in the condensed consolidated statement of operations as change in fair value of common stock warrant liability.
Joint Venture	'
	Joint Venture
	We account for investments in joint ventures in which we have significant influence in accordance with applicable accounting guidance in Subtopic 323-10, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures - Overall.  On February 29, 2012 we completed the formation of our joint venture with Axane, S.A., a subsidiary of Air Liquide, under the name HyPulsion (the JV).  The principal purpose of the JV is to develop and sell hydrogen fuel cell systems for the European material handling market. Axane contributed cash at the closing and will make additional fixed cash contributions in 2013 and 2014 in exchange for an initial 55% ownership of the JV, subject to certain conditions. We have not contributed any cash to the JV and we are not obligated to contribute any cash.  We contributed to the JV the right to use our technology, including design and technology know-how on GenDrive systems, in exchange for an initial 45% ownership of the JV.
	On April 19, 2013 Axane purchased an additional 25% ownership interest in HyPulsion from the Company for a cash purchase price of $3.3 million (Euro 2.5 million).  We now own 20% and Axane owns 80% of HyPulsion, and we will share in 20% of the profits from the JV. The Company has the right to purchase an additional 60% of HyPulsion from Axane at any time between January 4, 2018 and January 29, 2018 at a formula price. If the Company exercises its purchase right, Axane will have the right, at any time between February 1, 2018 and December 31, 2021, to require the Company to buy the remaining 20% interest at a formula price.
	In addition, the Company and HyPulsion also entered into an engineering service agreement under which, among other things, the Company will provide HyPulsion with engineering and technical services for a new fuel cell assembly line and manufacturing execution system. Under the service agreement, HyPulsion has paid the Company approximately $659,000 (Euro 500,000) in the aggregate for services to be performed by the Company.
	In accordance with the equity method of accounting, the Company will increase its investment in the JV by its share of any earnings, and decrease its investment in the JV by its share of any losses.  Losses in excess of the investment must be restored from future profits before we can recognize our proportionate share of profits.  As of September 30, 2013, the Company had a zero basis for its investment in the JV.
Redeemable Preferred Stock	'
	Redeemable Preferred Stock
	On May 8, 2013, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Air Liquide, pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell 10,431 shares of the Company's Series C Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.6 million (Euro 2 million) in cash, as more fully discussed in Note 6, Redeemable Preferred Stock. We account for preferred stock as temporary equity in accordance with applicable accounting guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.  Dividends on the redeemable preferred stock are accounted for as a reduction (increase) in the net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders.
	In connection with the Air Liquide Investment, as outlined under Joint Venture and Redeemable Preferred Stock above, the Company considered the relative fair value of the components involved in its allocation of the overall investment and the associated accounting.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
	There are no recently issued accounting standards with pending adoptions that the Company's management currently anticipates will have any material impact upon its financial statements.

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Changes in Stockholders Equity	'
	Changes in stockholders' equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows:
											Accumulated
											Other									Total
					Common Stock			Additional		Comprehensive			Treasury Stock					Accumulated		Stockholders'
			Shares			Amount		in-Capital			Income (Loss)			Shares	Amount			Deficit		Equity
	December 31, 2012		38,404,764			$	384,048	$	801,840,491		$	1,004,412		165,906		$	-1,552,382	$	-786,646,266	$	15,030,303
	Net loss				-	-		-			-			-		-		-33,792,515		-33,792,515
	Other comprehensive loss				-	-		-			-56,828			-		-		-		-56,828
	Stock based compensation			1,968,986		19,690		1,541,732			-			-		-		-		1,561,422
	Public Offering, common stock, net (1)		43,101,800			431,018		9,991,406			-			-		-		-		10,422,424
	Exercise of warrants (2)		18,996,400			189,964		8,861,846			-			-		-		-		9,051,810
	Stock dividend			132,017		1,320		67,891										-69,211		-
	September 30, 2013		102,603,967			$	1,026,040	$	822,303,366		$	947,584		165,906		$	-1,552,382	$	-820,507,992	$	2,216,616
	-1	As a result of the 2013 public offering discussed further below, the Company received net proceeds of $12,873,452, of which $2,451,028 in value was ascribed to the warrants issued in the February 2013 public offering. The associated warrants have been separately valued and classified as a liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. After consideration of the fair value ascribed to the warrants and the net proceeds of the overall offering, it was determined that the fair value of the warrants and the common stock exceeded the net proceeds received as part of the offering and consequently additional paid-in capital was reduced by $354,586.
	-2	Pursuant to the exercise of warrants, additional paid-in capital was increased by $2,659,496 from the issuance of 18,996,400 shares of common stock. Additionally, paid-in capital was increased by $6,202,350 and warrant liability was reduced by $6,202,350 (the fair value of the warrants on the exercise date).

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Components of the Calculations of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
	The following table provides the components of the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share:
				Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
			September 30, 2013				September 30, 2012		September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	Numerator:
		Net loss attributable to common shareholders		$	-15,947,280		$	-10,325,464	$	-33,861,726	$	-23,388,120
	Denominator:
		Weighted average number of common shares
		outstanding		84,150,851			37,977,052		67,194,806		33,107,175
Schedule of Potential Dilutive Common Shares	'
	The potential dilutive common shares are summarized as follows:
		At September 30,
		2013				2012
	Stock options outstanding		4,145,689			1,999,521
	Unvested restricted stock			-		275,262
	Common stock warrants (1)		27,636,465			9,421,008
	Preferred stock (2)		10,972,859			-
	Number of dilutive potential common shares		42,755,013			11,695,791
	-1	On May 31, 2011, the Company issued 7,128,563 warrants as part of an underwritten public offering.  As a result of the March 28 and 29, 2012 and February 20 and 21, 2013 public offerings, the May 8, 2013 issuance of Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock, and the September 16, 2013 public offering described in Note 5, the number of warrants increased to 22,995,365.  Additionally, on February 20, 2013 the Company issued 23,637,500 warrants as part of an underwritten public offering. Of the warrants issued in February 2013, 18,996,400 were exercised as of September 30, 2013.
	-2	The preferred stock amount represents the dilutive potential common shares of the 10,431 shares of Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock issued on May 16, 2013.

Inventory_Tables

Inventory (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory	'
	Inventory as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of the following:
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Raw materials and supplies		$	8,968,730	$	7,576,862
	Work-in-process		163,997		314,321
	Finished goods		635,927		659,274
			$	9,768,654	$	8,550,457

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Acquired Identifiable Intangible Assets	'
	The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of the Company's acquired identifiable intangible assets as of September 30, 2013 are as follows:
									Effect of
			Weighted Average	Gross Carrying			Accumulated		Foreign Currency
			Amortization Period	Amount			Amortization		Translation		Total
		Acquired Technology	8 years		$	15,900,000	$	-13,767,216	$	1,136,835	$	3,269,619
		Customer Relationships	8 years		1,000,000		-802,083		-		197,917
					$	16,900,000	$	-14,569,299	$	1,136,835	$	3,467,536
	The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of the Company's acquired identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2012 are as follows:
									Effect of
			Weighted Average	Gross Carrying			Accumulated		Foreign Currency
			Amortization Period	Amount			Amortization		Translation		Total
		Acquired Technology	8 years		$	15,900,000	$	-12,156,049	$	1,234,953	$	4,978,904
		Customer Relationships	8 years		1,000,000		-708,333		-		291,667
					$	16,900,000	$	-12,864,382	$	1,234,953	$	5,270,571

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consist of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Land	$	90,000	$	90,000
	Buildings	15,332,232		15,332,232
	Building improvements	4,939,283		4,939,283
	Software, machinery and equipment	13,615,439		13,741,573
		33,976,954		34,103,088
	Less accumulated depreciation	-28,170,230		-27,394,851
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	5,806,724	$	6,708,237

Leased_property_under_capital_1

Leased property under capital lease (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Leased property under capital lease [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Leased Property Under Capital Lease	'
	Leased property under capital lease at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consist of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Leased property under capital lease	$	3,098,921	$	3,098,921
	Less accumulated depreciation	-516,487		-129,122
	Leased property under capital lease, net	$	2,582,434	$	2,969,799

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	'
	The following tables summarize the basis used to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis in the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
					Quoted Prices in Active			Significant		Significant
					Markets for Identical			Other Observable		Other Unobservable
						Items		Inputs		Inputs
	Balance at September 30, 2013		Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Common stock warrant liability		$	12,895,564		$	-	$	-	$	12,895,564
					Quoted Prices in Active			Significant		Significant
					Markets for Identical			Other Observable		Other Unobservable
						Items		Inputs		Inputs
	Balance at December 31, 2012		Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Common stock warrant liability		$	475,825		$	-	$	-	$	475,825
Schedule of Reconciliations of Balances for Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	'
	The following tables show reconciliations of the beginning and ending balances for liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (i.e. Level 3) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Fair Value
		Measurement Using
		Significant
	Common stock warrant liability	Unobservable Inputs
	Beginning of period - January 1, 2013	$	475,825
	Change in fair value of common stock warrants	16,171,061
	Issuance of common stock warrants	2,451,028
	Exercise of common stock warrants	-6,202,350
	Fair value of common stock warrant liability at September 30, 2013	$	12,895,564

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Product Warranty Activity	'
	The following table summarizes product warranty activity recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Beginning balance - January 1		$	2,671,409	$	1,210,919
	Additions for current period deliveries		590,056		399,623
	Reductions for payments made		-1,848,240		-1,915,253
	Reserve adjustment		-		3,273,324
	Ending balance - September 30		$	1,413,225	$	2,968,613

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_Ca1

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flows Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flows Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flows Information and Non-cash Financing and Investing Activities	'
	The following represents required supplemental disclosures of cash flows information and non-cash financing and investing activities which occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Stock-based compensation accrual impact, net		$	-15,155	$	-115
	Cash paid for interest		354,723		152,123

Nature_of_Operations_Narrative

Nature of Operations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Liquidity Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Loss	$15,895,372	$10,325,464	$33,792,515	$23,388,120	$31,900,000	$27,500,000	$47,000,000
Accumulated deficit	820,507,992	'	820,507,992	'	786,646,266	'	'
Expected operating cash burn for fiscal year 2013	'	'	20,000,000	'	'	'	'
Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Continuing Operations	'	'	17,944,745	15,548,189	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	10,959,955	9,461,404	10,959,955	9,461,404	9,380,059	13,856,893	'
Net working capital	$14,600,000	'	$14,600,000	'	$6,900,000	'	'

Nature_of_Operations_Liquidity

Nature of Operations (Liquidity Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 16, 2013	Mar. 27, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	8-May-13	Dec. 31, 2012
							Air Liquide Investissements d'Avenir et de Demonstration ("Air Liquide")	Silicon Valley Bank [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Borrowing capacity under SVB loan facility	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$15,000,000
Outstanding amount under loan agreement	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,400,000
Proceeds from issuance of public offerings	10,600,000	'	2,300,000	'	'	'	'	'
Strategic Investment From Joint Venture	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,500,000	'
Proceeds from exercise of warrants	'	'	'	2,849,460	'	'	'	'
Sale-leaseback transaction in real estate in Latham, NY	'	2,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	'	'	'	$35,364,066	'	$24,429,699	'	'

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details)

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Apr. 19, 2013

Feb. 29, 2012

Apr. 19, 2013

Apr. 19, 2013

Apr. 19, 2013

Apr. 19, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 20, 2013

31-May-11

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Hypulsion Sas Joint Venture

Hypulsion Sas Joint Venture

Hypulsion Sas Joint Venture

Hypulsion Sas Joint Venture

Axane

Axane

Common stock warrants [Member]

Common stock warrants [Member]

Common stock warrants [Member]

Common stock warrants [Member]

Common stock warrants [Member]

Engineering Service Agreement

Engineering Service Agreement

Hypulsion Sas Joint Venture

Hypulsion Sas Joint Venture

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Risk-free interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.60%

0.85%

0.75%

0.59%

0.31%

Volatility of market price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

98.40%

102.00%

94.40%

111.20%

73.50%

Expected average term of warrant

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years 4 months 24 days

'5 years

'2 years 6 months

'2 years 6 months

'2 years 6 months

Series C Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to Securities Purchase Agreement with Air Liquide

10,431

10,431

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Series C Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, par value

$0.01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock

$2,595,400

€ 2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contribution percentage in the JV by Axane

'

'

'

'

55.00%

'

'

25.00%

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership percentage in the JV by the company

'

'

'

20.00%

45.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash purchase price joint venture interest sale

3,234,717

'

-292,389

'

'

'

'

3,300,000

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

Total Ownership percentage in JV by Axane

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80.00%

80.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of profit sharing in joint venture

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of right to purchase interest in joint venture in 2018 at a formula price

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of right to purchase interest in joint venture at a formula price at any time between February 1, 2018 and December 31, 2021

'

'

'

60.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash paid for services to be performed

'

'

'

'

'

$659,000

€ 500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

MultipleDeliverable_Revenue_Ar1

Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred revenue in the condensed consolidated balance sheets	$453,000	$453,000	$560,000
Multiple deliverable revenue	$36,000	$107,000	'
Minimum	'	'	'
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expiration period of maintenance and other support obligations	'	'12 months	'
Maximum	'	'	'
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expiration period of maintenance and other support obligations	'	'30 months	'

Loan_and_Security_Agreement_De

Loan and Security Agreement (Details) (Silicon Valley Bank [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Silicon Valley Bank [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Maximum access of financing under Loan and security agreement	$15
Outstanding amount under loan agreement	$3.40

Stockholders_Equity_Changes_in

Stockholders' Equity (Changes in stockholders' equity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	'	'	$15,030,303		'	'	'	'
Net Loss	-15,895,372	-10,325,464	-33,792,515		-23,388,120	-31,900,000	-27,500,000	-47,000,000
Other comprehensive loss	25,268	110,625	-56,828		106,585	'	'	'
Stock based compensation	'	'	1,561,422		'	'	'	'
Public offering common stock, net	'	'	10,422,424	[1]	'	'	'	'
Exercise of warrants	'	'	9,051,810	[2]	'	'	'	'
Stock dividend	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Balance at September 30, 2013	2,216,616	'	2,216,616		'	15,030,303	'	'
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	'	'	384,048		'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012 (in shares)	'	'	38,404,764		'	'	'	'
Net Loss	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Stock based compensation	'	'	19,690		'	'	'	'
Stock based compensation (in shares)	'	'	1,968,986		'	'	'	'
Public offering common stock, net	'	'	431,018	[1]	'	'	'	'
Public offering common stock, net (in shares)	'	'	43,101,800	[1]	'	'	'	'
Exercise of warrants	'	'	189,964	[2]	'	'	'	'
Exercise of warrants (in shares)	'	'	18,996,400	[2]	'	'	'	'
Stock dividend	'	'	1,320		'	'	'	'
Stock dividend (in shares)	'	'	132,017		'	'	'	'
Balance at September 30, 2013	1,026,040	'	1,026,040		'	'	'	'
Balance at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	102,603,967	'	102,603,967		'	'	'	'
Additional Paid-in-Capital [Member]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	'	'	801,840,491		'	'	'	'
Net Loss	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Stock based compensation	'	'	1,541,732		'	'	'	'
Public offering common stock, net	'	'	9,991,406	[1]	'	'	'	'
Exercise of warrants	'	'	8,861,846	[2]	'	'	'	'
Stock dividend	'	'	67,891		'	'	'	'
Balance at September 30, 2013	822,303,366	'	822,303,366		'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	'	'	1,004,412		'	'	'	'
Net Loss	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive loss	'	'	-56,828		'	'	'	'
Stock based compensation	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Public offering common stock, net	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Exercise of warrants	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Stock dividend	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Balance at September 30, 2013	947,584	'	947,584		'	'	'	'
Treasury Stock [Member]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	'	'	-1,552,382		'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012 (in shares)	'	'	165,906		'	'	'	'
Net Loss	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Stock based compensation	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Public offering common stock, net	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Exercise of warrants	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Stock dividend	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Balance at September 30, 2013	-1,552,382	'	-1,552,382		'	'	'	'
Balance at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	165,906	'	165,906		'	'	'	'
Accumulated Deficit [Member]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	'	'	-786,646,266		'	'	'	'
Net Loss	'	'	-33,792,515		'	'	'	'
Stock based compensation	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Public offering common stock, net	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Exercise of warrants	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Stock dividend	'	'	-69,211		'	'	'	'
Balance at September 30, 2013	($820,507,992)	'	($820,507,992)		'	'	'	'
[1]	As a result of the 2013 public offering discussed further below, the Company received net proceeds of $12,873,452, of which $2,451,028 in value was ascribed to the warrants issued in the February 2013 public offering. The associated warrants have been separately valued and classified as a liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. After consideration of the fair value ascribed to the warrants and the net proceeds of the overall offering, it was determined that the fair value of the warrants and the common stock exceeded the net proceeds received as part of the offering and consequently additional paid-in capital was reduced by $354,586.
[2]	Pursuant to the exercise of warrants, additional paid-in capital was increased by $2,659,496 from the issuance of 18,996,400 shares of common stock. Additionally, paid-in capital was increased by $6,202,350 and warrant liability was reduced by $6,202,350 (the fair value of the warrants on the exercise date).

Stockholders_Equity_Table_foot

Stockholders' Equity (Table footnotes) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 21, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]	'	'
Decrease in warrant liability for increase in additional paid-in capital	'	$6,202,350
Exercise of common stock warrants	'	6,202,350
Net proceeds received as part of offering	'	10,422,424	[1]
Common Stock	'	'
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]	'	'
Issuance of common stock, exercise of warrants	'	18,996,400	[2]
Additional paid in capital increased by issuance of warrant	'	2,659,496
Net proceeds received as part of offering	'	431,018	[1]
Additional Paid-in Capital	'	'
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]	'	'
Net proceeds received as part of offering	'	9,991,406	[1]
Net Proceeds, after underwriting discounts and commissions and other fees payable	354,586	12,873,452
Value allocated to warrants	'	$2,451,028
[1]	As a result of the 2013 public offering discussed further below, the Company received net proceeds of $12,873,452, of which $2,451,028 in value was ascribed to the warrants issued in the February 2013 public offering. The associated warrants have been separately valued and classified as a liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. After consideration of the fair value ascribed to the warrants and the net proceeds of the overall offering, it was determined that the fair value of the warrants and the common stock exceeded the net proceeds received as part of the offering and consequently additional paid-in capital was reduced by $354,586.
[2]	Pursuant to the exercise of warrants, additional paid-in capital was increased by $2,659,496 from the issuance of 18,996,400 shares of common stock. Additionally, paid-in capital was increased by $6,202,350 and warrant liability was reduced by $6,202,350 (the fair value of the warrants on the exercise date).

Stockholders_Equity_Stock_and_

Stockholders' Equity (Stock and Warrant Public Offerings) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended						1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	31-May-13	31-May-11	Sep. 16, 2013	8-May-13	Feb. 21, 2013	Mar. 29, 2012	Sep. 16, 2013	Feb. 20, 2013	Feb. 20, 2013
			Series C Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	Underwritten Public Offering 2011	Underwritten Public Offering 2011	Underwritten Public Offering 2011	Underwritten Public Offering 2011	Underwritten Public Offering 2011	Underwritten Public Offering 2013	Underwritten Public Offering 2013	Underwritten Public Offering 2013
											Warrant
Public Offering [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Underwritten public offering of common stock and warrants	'	'	'	8,265,000	'	'	'	'	18,600,000	18,910,000	'
Number of warrants called to purchase shares of common stock	'	'	'	7,128,563	22,995,365	20,762,805	18,925,389	9,421,008	'	18,910,000	1,891,000
Number of shares of common stock purchased by the underwriter	'	'	'	929,813	'	'	'	'	'	2,836,500	'
Net Proceeds, after underwriting discounts and commissions and other fees payable	'	'	'	$18,289,883	'	'	'	'	$9,151,221	$1,948,766	'
Portion of warrants in the share and warrant combination	'	'	'	0.75	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value recorded of common stock warranty liability	'	'	'	$8,768,143	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Price to public, per share and warrant combination	'	'	'	$2.42	'	'	'	'	'	$0.15	'
Exercise price of the warrants on issuance of common stock	0.15	'	'	3	0.93	1.03	1.13	2.27	'	0.15	0.18
Number of anti-dilutive Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock	42,755,013	11,695,791	10,431	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_Stock_Publ

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Public Offerings) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2012	Mar. 28, 2012	Sep. 16, 2013	Feb. 20, 2013	Sep. 16, 2013	Feb. 21, 2013	Jul. 01, 2011	Jun. 08, 2011	Sep. 16, 2013	Feb. 21, 2013
	Underwritten Public Offering 2012	Underwritten Public Offering 2012	Underwritten Public Offering 2013	Underwritten Public Offering 2013	Underwritten Public Offering 2013 Over Allotment Option	Underwritten Public Offering 2013 Over Allotment Option	Underwritten Public Offering 2011 Over Allotment Option	Underwritten Public Offering 2011 Over Allotment Option	Underwritten Public Offering 2013 Total Net Proceeds	Underwritten Public Offering 2013 Total Net Proceeds
Public Offering [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Underwritten public offering or sale of common stock	1,950,000	13,000,000	18,600,000	18,910,000	2,790,000	2,801,800	231,000	836,750	'	'
Sale of common stock, Price per share	$1.15	$1.15	$0.54	'	$0.54	'	'	'	'	'
Net Proceeds, after underwriting discounts and commissions and other fees payable	$20,858,525	$13,704,745	$9,151,221	$1,948,766	$1,408,671	$364,794	$527,626	$1,874,990	$10,559,892	$2,313,560

Redeemable_Preferred_Stock_Det

Redeemable Preferred Stock (Details)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	8-May-13	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
	USD ($)	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)
Temporary Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Series C Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to Securities Purchase Agreement with Air Liquide	'	10,431	10,431	'
Series C Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, par value	'	$0.01	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	'	$2,595,400	€ 2,000,000	'
Net proceeds from sale of stock consideration after payment of fees & expenses	$2,451,079	'	'	'
Minimum percentage holding of common stock on conversion of preferred stock	5.00%	'	'	'
Minimum percentage holding of on an as-converted basis of preferred stock	50.00%	'	'	'
Dividend rate	8.00%	'	'	'
Conversion price	$0.25	$0.24	'	'
Number of warrants exercised	'	16,096,400	16,096,400	'
Warrants exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	0.15	0.15	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Summary_of_

Earnings Per Share (Summary of components of calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net loss attributable to common shareholders	($15,947,280)	($10,325,464)	($33,861,726)	($23,388,120)
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	84,150,851	37,977,052	67,194,806	33,107,175

Earnings_Per_Share_Summary_of_1

Earnings Per Share (Summary of potential dilutive common shares) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'		'
Number of dilutive potential common shares	42,755,013		11,695,791
Stock options outstanding [Member]	'		'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'		'
Number of dilutive potential common shares	4,145,689		1,999,521
Unvested restricted stock [Member]	'		'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'		'
Number of dilutive potential common shares	'		275,262
Common stock warrants [Member]	'		'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'		'
Number of dilutive potential common shares	27,636,465	[1]	9,421,008	[1]
Preferred stock [Member]	'		'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'		'
Number of dilutive potential common shares	10,972,859	[2]	'
[1]	On May 31, 2011, the Company issued 7,128,563 warrants as part of an underwritten public offering. As a result of the March 28 and 29, 2012 and February 20 and 21, 2013 public offerings, the May 8, 2013 issuance of Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock, and the September 16, 2013 public offering described in Note 5, the number of warrants increased to 22,995,365. Additionally, on February 20, 2013 the Company issued 23,637,500 warrants as part of an underwritten public offering. Of the warrants issued in February 2013, 18,996,400 were exercised as of September 30, 2013.
[2]	The preferred stock amount represents the dilutive potential common shares of the 10,431 shares of Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock issued on May 16, 2013.

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details)	9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	31-May-13	Sep. 30, 2013	Feb. 20, 2013	31-May-11
			Series C Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	Common stock warrants [Member]	Common stock warrants [Member]	Common stock warrants [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Warrants granted	'	'	'	'	23,637,500	7,128,563
Number of warrants increased as issuance of Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock	'	'	'	22,995,365	'	'
Exercise of warrants (in shares)	'	'	'	18,996,400	'	'
Number of anti-dilutive Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock	42,755,013	11,695,791	10,431	'	'	'

Inventory_Schedule_of_Inventor

Inventory (Schedule of Inventory) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials and supplies	$8,968,730	$7,576,862
Work-in-process	163,997	314,321
Finished goods	635,927	659,274
Total inventory	$9,768,654	$8,550,457

Intangible_Assets_Gross_carryi

Intangible Assets (Gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization acquired identifiable intangible assets) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$16,900,000	$16,900,000
Accumulated Amortization	-14,529,299	-12,864,382
Effect of Foreign Currency Translation	1,136,835	1,234,953
Total	3,467,536	5,270,571
Acquired Technology	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted Average Amortization Period	'8 years	'8 years
Gross Carrying Amount	15,900,000	15,900,000
Accumulated Amortization	-13,767,216	-12,156,049
Effect of Foreign Currency Translation	1,136,835	1,234,953
Total	3,269,619	4,978,904
Customer Relationships	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted Average Amortization Period	'8 years	'8 years
Gross Carrying Amount	1,000,000	1,000,000
Accumulated Amortization	-802,083	-708,333
Effect of Foreign Currency Translation	'	'
Total	$197,917	$291,667

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Plant, Property and Equipment- gross	$33,976,954	$34,103,088
Less accumulated depreciation	-28,170,230	-27,394,851
Property, plant and equipment, net	5,806,724	6,708,237
Land [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Plant, Property and Equipment- gross	90,000	90,000
Building [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Plant, Property and Equipment- gross	15,332,232	15,332,232
Building improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Plant, Property and Equipment- gross	4,939,283	4,939,283
Software, machinery and equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Plant, Property and Equipment- gross	$13,615,439	$13,741,573

Leased_property_under_capital_2

Leased property under capital lease (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Leased property under capital lease [Abstract]	'	'
Leased property under capital lease	$3,098,921	$3,098,921
Less accumulated depreciation	-516,487	-129,122
Leased property under capital lease, net	$2,582,434	$2,969,799

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income tax losses recognized period	'	'	'5 years	'
Net unrealized built in losses per IRS Notice 2003-65	$36,300,000	'	$36,300,000	'
Gross deferred tax liability	13,800,000	'	13,800,000	'
Net operating loss carryforward	737,500,000	'	737,500,000	'
Operating loss carryforwards being subject to IRC Section 382 limitations	729,700,000	'	729,700,000	'
Operating loss carryforwards not to expire prior to utilization	21,300,000	'	21,300,000	'
Income tax benefit	410,259	'	410,259	'
Accrued interest and penalties	$800,000	'	$800,000	'

Income_Taxes_Capital_loss_and_

Income Taxes (Capital loss and research credit carryforwards) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards	$737.50
Research credit carryforwards	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards	15.6
Federal research and experimentation tax credit carry-forwards expire prior to utilization	15.6
Federal capital loss carryforwards	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards	15.5
Federal research and experimentation tax credit carry-forwards expire prior to utilization	$15.50

Fair_Value_Summary_of_basis_us

Fair Value (Summary of basis used to measure certain financial assets at fair value on recurring basis) (Details) (Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis [Member], Common stock warrants [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock warrant liability	$12,895,564	$475,825
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock warrant liability	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock warrant liability	'	'
Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock warrant liability	$12,895,564	$475,825

Fair_Value_Reconciliations_of_

Fair Value (Reconciliations of beginning and ending balances for assets measured at fair value on recurring basis) (Details) (Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis [Member], Common stock warrant liability, USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis [Member] | Common stock warrant liability	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning of period - January 1, 2013	$475,825
Change in fair value of common stock warrants	16,171,061
Issuance of common stock warrants	2,451,028
Exercise of common stock warrants	6,202,350
Fair value of common stock warrant liability at September 30, 2013	$12,895,564

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Summary of product warranty activity) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance - January 1	$2,671,409	$1,210,919
Additions for current period deliveries	590,056	399,623
Reductions for payments made	-1,848,240	-1,915,253
Reserve adjustment	'	3,273,324
Ending balance - June 30	$1,413,225	$2,968,613

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Aug. 26, 2013	Mar. 27, 2013	Sep. 30, 2011
			Albany Shaker Road Property [Member]	Albany Shaker Road Property [Member]	Albany Shaker Road Property [Member]	Albany Shaker Road Property [Member]	Silicon Valley Bank [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Letter of credit, face amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	$525,000
Term of Building sale leaseback	'	'	'15 years	'	'	'	'
Monthly payments for 1-5 years	'	'	38,297	'	'	'	'
Monthly payments for 6-10 years	'	'	41,243	'	'	'	'
Monthly payments for 11-15 years	'	'	44,189	'	'	'	'
Finance obligation	'	'	'	2,507,800	'	'	'
Current portion finance obligation	'	'	'	57,739	'	'	'
Number of standby letters of credit	'	'	2	'	'	'	'
Total standby letters of credit	'	'	750,000	'	'	'	'
Percent collateralized by cash balances	'	'	100.00%	'	'	'	'
Terminated portion of letter of credit	'	'	'	'	250,000	'	'
Restricted cash	500,000	'	'	500,000	'	'	'
Aggregate purchase price on sale-leaseback transaction	'	'	'	'	'	4,500,000	'
Payment of purchase price on sale-leaseback transaction in cash	'	'	'	'	'	2,750,000	'
Payment of purchase price on sale-leaseback transaction with interest	'	'	$1,750,000	'	'	'	'
Annual interest	'	'	5.00%	'	'	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies (Customer Concentrations) (Details)

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Revenues [Member]

Revenues [Member]

Revenues [Member]

Revenues [Member]

Revenues [Member]

Revenues [Member]

Revenues [Member]

Revenues [Member]

Customer One [Member]

Customer One [Member]

Customer Two [Member]

Customer Two [Member]

Customer Three [Member]

Customer Three [Member]

Customer Four [Member]

Customer Four [Member]

Customer Five [Member]

Customer One [Member]

Customer One [Member]

Customer Two [Member]

Customer Two [Member]

Customer Three [Member]

Customer Three [Member]

Concentration Risk [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of customers

5

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of concentration risk

80.60%

82.00%

40.20%

63.10%

18.90%

7.70%

10.50%

6.30%

5.90%

5.10%

5.10%

38.60%

55.50%

14.90%

25.80%

13.50%

19.40%

10.20%

10.30%

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_Ca2

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flows Information (Schedule of Non-cash Financing and Investing Activities) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flows Information [Abstract]	'	'
Stock-based compensation accrual impact, net	($15,155)	($115)
Cash paid for interest	$354,723	$152,123